Security increased for Colombian priests under death threats

Bogotá, Colombia, May 9, 2008 / 10:51 am (CNA).- Death threats against priests in the Colombian town of Magdalena Medio have led Church officials to move two priests from their parishes for security reasons, despite their requests to remain at their posts.

The Colombian daily El Tiempo reported that death threats were being made by members of the paramilitary organization Aguilas Negras, a group of former militia soldiers who are involved in organized crime.

The two priests, Father Leonel Comas of Arenal and Father Francisco de Roux, are in a region located in eastern Colombian near the Magdalena River.